The Stranniki (Russian for Runaways or Wanderers) are the strong Pomorsky Old Believers who rejected prayers for Tsar Peter and all government papers (identification, passports, money, etc). They would not wear clothing contrary to Old Orthodox Russia, nor eat with those of contrary Faith and Practice. Keeping themselves separate from the antichrist society they went far into the Siberian wilderness. This blog is about these people and my effort to conform my life to theirs.

Thursday, January 1, 2009

New Year Celebrations

Last night was not entirely peaceful here at this little farm. The animals were frightened by the explosions of all the fireworks, etc. Noisy devil’s music rang in the air. Even though this is somewhat a rural area, the city influences are far too close for comfort. A person who desires to live according to the strong Old Believer way has a practically impossible situation in such surroundings. Ear plugs certainly do not work. Since the Nativity Fast is broken up by such festivities we certainly should have no part in them.

We should educate those who try to tell us happy new year. Tell them that such a sentiment is not sound and actually stems from absurd reasoning’s. What good is it for some one to wish us a Happy New Year when during the year each person has a measure of grief and misery that visits them in some way? What good is a happy new year when my life may end within the very hour they are speaking to me?

Whether the year brings good or evil, or even each day, is all in the will of God anyway. So wishing Happy New Year seems even more crazy. I am sure the origin of this custom is Satanic, especially since the godless love this expression. No doubt I am the one who seems crazy to them.

When people offer to us the expression Happy New Year it would not be unreasonable to say that we really don’t know what that means. They would likely reflect on it and have no good response. Every day is new, every hour, minute and second. We might as well say Happy Second... Happy Minute, you see the foolishness’? This line of thinking goes on and on. Happy Decade, Century, etc., etc., ad nauseum.

Truthfully, lasting happiness is not to be found in this temporary life, but only in the Kingdom of Heaven. So if real happiness means anything to us we ought not to work for happiness during the year, but strive for those things which bring forth rewards not according to this life.